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Packaging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$84 - $109/hr

The Packaging Engineer leads the distribution testing of packaged products to ensure product integrity through the distribution cycle. The work environment is focused on cross functional ...

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Packaging Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

Packaging Production Designer - Global Creative 📍 Location: El Segundo, CA (Hybrid - 2 Days Remote / Week) 💰 Pay Rate: Up to $41.70/hr on W2 📅 Duration: 3+ Month Contract (Potential ...

Accurately package products according to company standards and guidelines * Inspect products for defects or damages before packaging * Label packages clearly and correctly to ensure proper ...

Packaging Engineer

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$84 - $109/hr

Job SummaryThe primary focus of the Packaging Engineer at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is to design and develop packaging solutions for new and existing products. This position is responsible ...

The Packaging Engineer designs, tests, and implements packaging designs that emphasize sustainability and are an integral part of the organization's Product Development process. They also review and ...

Packaging Engineer Classification: Exempt Position Status: Full Time Reports To: Senior Packaging Engineer Direct Reports: None Role Objectives: Working with cross functional Global teams you will ...

Packaging Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

As a packaging designer, you will work to develop functional, eye-catching packaging designs that resonate with SKIMS target market and comply with state health and safety regulations. To ensure ...

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Packaging information

See California salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do packaging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for packaging in California is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packaging job?

Packaging jobs involve preparing products for shipment or sale by placing them into containers, boxes, or other packaging materials. Workers in this field may operate machinery, inspect products for quality, label packages, and ensure items are securely packed to prevent damage during transportation. These roles are found in various industries, including food production, manufacturing, and retail. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow safety guidelines are important for success in packaging jobs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a packaging role?

To thrive in a Packaging role, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of safety and quality standards, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with packing machinery, conveyor systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills that help maintain workflow and product quality. These skills ensure efficient and safe packaging processes, minimize errors, and support overall production goals.

What are some common challenges faced by packaging professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Packaging professionals often encounter challenges such as tight production deadlines, ensuring product safety, and adapting to evolving sustainability standards. Balancing cost-effectiveness with high-quality packaging materials is also a frequent concern. To address these issues, effective communication with suppliers, staying updated on industry regulations, and collaborating closely with design and production teams are essential strategies. Embracing new technologies and continuous learning can also help packaging specialists stay ahead in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Packaging vs Packaging Operator?

AspectPackagingPackaging Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, sometimes technical trainingHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or warehouse settings, often in production linesManufacturing plants, operating packaging machinery
Job FocusDesigning, planning, and overseeing packaging processesOperating and maintaining packaging equipment
Common UsageInvolved in packaging design and logisticsHands-on role in packaging production

Packaging involves planning and managing the packaging process, while Packaging Operators focus on operating machinery and executing packaging tasks on the production line. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but they differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

How to become a packaging?

To become a packaging worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, manual dexterity, and knowledge of packaging equipment; some positions may require on-the-job training or certifications. Experience in manufacturing or warehouse environments can be beneficial.

Is packaging a stable career?

Packaging is generally considered a stable career as it is essential to manufacturing, shipping, and retail industries. Jobs in packaging often require physical skills and can offer opportunities for advancement, with some roles requiring certifications or experience with machinery. The demand for packaging workers tends to remain steady due to ongoing production and distribution needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging jobs in California?

The most popular types of Packaging jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Packaging jobs?

Cities in California with the most Packaging job openings:

Infographic showing various Packaging job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,577 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Flexible Packaging Engineer

Destiny Packaging Inc.

Salinas, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Destiny Packaging, a Bunzl company, is seeking a Flexible Packaging Engineer to act as a technical conduit between the films we market and our Sales team. This person will need to be knowledgeable and have experience in flexible packaging products structure and properties. Additionally, the job will require on-site customer visits, product application identification and creative engineered solutions.

This position is based in Salinas, CA, and will be a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop automated sample request process with our primary suppliers that make the request transparent to Sales and Buyers
  • Identify competitive films and suggest our comparable product offering
  • Provide support in the development of competitors cross reference charts for roll stock, shrink bags, and shrink films
  • Assist on plant surveys
  • Give periodic progress presentations to executive leadership
  • Assist Sales in test runs of new films and bags at the customer’s facility
  • Develop a working relationship with our primary equipment suppliers
  • Build relationships with equipment suppliers that are strategic to Destiny Packaging but not yet working with us
  • Provide support in the development of a marketing and specification collateral website for sales and customer PDF access, sell sheets, MSDS and properties specifications

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Packaging, Engineering or a related field is preferred
  • Experience with MAP, barrier films, laminated structures, COEX films, SUPs, flexo print, shrink, stretch, and poly bag structures is preferred
  • Two years of field experience is preferred
  • Knowledge of vertical form and fill equipment is preferred
  • Understanding of the chemistry of poly urethane, poly vinyl, and poly olefin films, single direction and bi-directional shrink films, barrier and co extruded poly films is preferred
  • Presentation skills, Power Point or Keynote is preferred
  • Excel skills; pivot tables would be a plus
  • Ability to build a ROI model based on film property changes, such as run speed, down gauging, and size changes to roll stock, shrink bags or stretch film is preferred
  • Capable of a cut and weight analysis on stretch film is preferred
  • Travel as needed, sometimes with overnight stays

Destiny Packaging's salary range is $75-80k plus bonus based on experience, education and geographic location.

    What's In It For You?

    • The perks of being a Bunzl team member don’t stop at being part of a great team or being valued as our #1 asset. We offer a full range of benefits to help our employees take care of themselves and their families today, tomorrow and for the future.
    • Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits effective the 1st day of the month after 30 days
    • Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
    • 401K with generous company match
    • Additional benefit information can be found on the Bunzl Careers home page under Benefits and Perks.

    Bunzl North America is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non‑Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to exceed $10 billion in sales. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunzl operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 10,000 team members and over 400,000 supplies, Bunzl is recognized as a leading supplier across North America—and proudly certified as a Great Place to Work®. At Bunzl, you’ll find Unlimited Potential… Your Career - - Our Future!

    Click here to view the California Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy

    Bunzl Distribution offers competitive salaries, a comfortable work environment, and a full range of benefits including a 401k with a company match.

    Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.